A decade ago, the airport terminal was a functional, rather gloomy means-to-an-end. Somewhere to dash through when your name was called for final boarding, or to snooze uncomfortably on a hard chair when your flight was delayed. As a place to relax, to be pampered? It was unfeasible. But things have evolved. The shops are smart and glamorous, and there are excellent skincare ranges and in-store therapists to help with pre-holiday beauty. Arriving two hours before departure no longer feels like a waste of time with these airport beauty tips and tricks

1. In-store beauty services

The air on a plane is drier than the desert, so it makes sense to prepare your skin. Estée Lauder's crazy popular Advanced Night Repair is fantastic for this, and not just on night flights. Visit its counter in World Duty Free and mention Condé Nast Traveller magazine, and you'll receive an express hydration treatment (five, 10 or 15 minutes depending on when your gate is called) plus a complimentary sample of Advanced Night Repair. For an instant pick-me-up at the other end to combat jetlag, slick on Estée Lauder's turbo-charged new Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix, targeted to keep eyes looking bright.

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2. Last-minute prep

Pop into Gatwick's Cloud Spa for a quick gel manicure (it dries instantly so you don't have to frantically blow on your nails or worry about smudging), plus eyebrow threading or an eyelash tint. And you'll find blow-dry bars and even waxing salons at Aerospa at Newcastle, Edinburgh, London City and Liverpool John Lennon airports.

3. Click and collect

If it's time to stock up on sunscreen, foundation, moisturiser or mascara, use the snappy 'reserve and collect' service which operates in all World Duty Free stores. Shop online at home, fill up your virtual washbag, and pick it all up once you've gone through security. It means you can take advantage of duty-free prices, special offers, and one or two or those brilliant only-available-in-the-airport sets. (worlddutyfree.com)

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4. Eat well

On some planes food is getting better, but on many there's none at all. So eat before you board: there's an amazing array of healthy go-to options, from superfood salads at Leon in Heathrow, and avocado on sourdough in Bruno Loubet's fantastic Grain store at Gatwick to sushi and sashimi at Itsu in Stansted, and hummus and falafel mezze at Manchester Airport's Café Balzar. Or think ahead and take a picnic with you.

5. Give yourself 30 minutes extra

Half the stress of an airport visit is in the rush. The breathless dash through security, feeling hot and bothered before you've even boarded the plane, adrenalin levels pumping. Arrive early and take your time: meander rather than dash along the path through duty-free shopping, and seek out the meditation area for some quiet contemplation before jetting off.